Never Say Die: Cards advance to NLCS with shocking rally

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - It took the largest comeback in a do-or-die
game in postseason history, but the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals are
back in the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive
year.

Trailing by six after three innings and two in the ninth, the Cardinals came
roaring back with four runs in the final frame, as Pete Kozma slapped a go-
ahead, two-run single to lift the Cardinals to a 9-7 victory over the
Washington Nationals in the deciding Game 5 of their NLDS on Friday at
Nationals Park.

Down 7-5 to start the ninth, Carlos Beltran ripped a leadoff double into
center field off Nationals closer Drew Storen (1-1) and moved to third on Matt
Holliday's groundout.

Allen Craig then fanned before Yadier Molina battled back from a 2-2 count to
work a walk. David Freese, last year's World Series MVP, then worked his way
back from a 1-2 hole to earn a free pass and load the bases.

Daniel Descalso then slapped the first pitch he saw back up the middle and Ian
Desmond made a diving attempt at shortstop, but the ball tipped off his glove
and trickled into center field, allowing Beltran and pinch-runner Adron
Chambers to score and knot the game at 7-7.

After Descalso swiped second, Komza slapped a base hit down the right-field
line to give St. Louis a two-run lead.

Jason Motte (1-0) then retired the Nationals in order in the bottom half to
send the Cardinals to their 7th NLCS since 2000.